Child Quote by Thomas Gordon
“Most parents hate to experience conflict, are deeply troubled when it occurs, and are quite confused about how to handle it constructively. Actually, it would be a rare relationship if over a period of time one person's needs did not conflict with the other's. When any two people (or groups) coexist, conflict is bound to occur just because people are different, think differently, have different needs and wants that sometimes do not match.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Parent Effectiveness Training by Thomas Gordon, 1970
Conflict is inevitable when people with differing needs coexist, and parents often feel ill‑equipped to manage it constructively.
In simple terms: People clash because they’re different; parents struggle with handling it.
Key Takeaway
Learn skills to navigate conflict positively.
Themes
parenting
conflict resolution
communication
relationships
Mood
anxious
hopeful
Type
advice
instructional
When to use this quote
- family meals
- school meetings
- therapy sessions
- team projects
Key Concepts
needs
differences
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can parents model healthy disagreement?
- What strategies reduce fear of conflict?
A Different Perspective
Parents may lack models for constructive conflict, leading to avoidance.
